Ryan feels he is vastly improving with Club Brugge

Young Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan believes his game has moved to the next level since joining Club Brugge.

Young Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan believes his game has moved to the next level since joining Club Brugge.

The 21-year old joined the Belgian club from Central Coast Mariners in May this year and has already made 16 Pro League appearances for a total of 19 outings in all competitions in his debut season in Europe.

Ryan admits he may have had a little more to do in Michel Preud’homme’s side than he did under Graham Arnold at the Mariners but feels that exposure has helped him grow as a player.

"If there is an area in my game that has improved this season, then it must be my shot-stopping," Ryan said.

"Under Arnie we were always defensively very strong so I was never that busy.

"When I came here we had some injury problems and a few new faces so it took a while for us to gel and we were a bit vulnerable at the back.

"I found myself busier in the shot-stopping department and fortunately I have been able to make a few saves for the team this year."

Ryan, who is jockeying with Borussia Dortmund’s Mitch Langerak for the number one position in the Australian national team, also suggested he still had plenty of work to do before becoming an established player in Belgium and Europe.

"I definitely never imagined a year ago how my career would pan out," he added.

"I still can't say I'm an established player in Europe as yet.

"I've had a very good start to my European career but I'm also aware that in football things can change very quickly.”